Leaves, fruits, and sap are toxic to livestock, most animals, and humans. Known to cause intestinal distress. Some birds are known to tolerate the fruits.

Geographic Distribution

Naturalized across the southeastern U.S. from North Carolina to Texas, and reported as spreading in California. Highly naturalized in all counties of southeast Texas, Chinese tallow is recognized as the most invasive plant species of the Lower Galveston Bay watershed.

Introduction Pathways

Introduced repeatedly since the late 1700s after Benjamin Franklin imported specimens to the United States; cultivated by the USDA in the early 1900s for tallow oil which can be used in soap and candle production. Also planted as an ornamental tree. Also planted as an ornamental tree because of its colorful autumn foliage.

Specific Primary Habitats

High affinity to coastal prairie, wetlands, stream banks, and bottomland forests as well as to disturbed areas such as ditches, pastures, and waste areas. Tallow is tolerant of varying light conditions, soil types, flooding, and drought.

Identifying Characteristics

Leaves are heart-shaped, alternate, 1-3 inches long, and 1-2.5 inches wide. They are medium green until fall when they turn yellow, orange, and red. Petioles are slender and waxy. Flowers occur on long, yellow, spike-like branches that are 2-8 inches long. Fruit is a three-lobed capsule, turning black and falling off when mature, revealing three white waxy seeds resembling popcorn.

Reproduction Characteristics

Can reach reproductive age in as little as three years and prolifically produces seeds, which are readily transported by water and birds. Flowers mature March through May and fruit ripens August through November. Also propagates via cuttings, stumps, and roots.

Growth Characteristics

Chinese tallow grows very quickly and vigorously. It rapidly develops a taproot system to help it withstand drought. Individual trees can reach 30-45 feet in height and 3 feet in diameter.

Apply a triclopyr herbicide to basal bark in late summer or early fall (such as 20% Garlon 4 in oil) or, for large trees, apply directly to the stump after cutting down the tree (use Rodeo for trees growing in water). Pull up seedlings by hand. Large land areas can be managed by mowing and the careful use of controlled burns.